MAPUSA
With the Directorate of Panchayat (DoP) dismissing the plea challenging the demolition order against the controversial Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat has initiated steps to bring down the structure that was gutted in the December 6 fire tragedy which claimed 25 lives.
Panchayat authorities confirmed that the demolition process is now underway and could be executed anytime once procedural formalities are completed.
“We have initiated the process to demolish the structure. We have asked the police to provide us the original documents of the club so that we can forward the list to the Block Development Officer, who will then requisition a demolition squad,” said Dharmendra Govekar, Secretary of the Arpora-Nagoa panchayat.
The police had earlier confiscated key documents related to the alleged illegal structure during the investigation into the fatal fire incident two months ago.
The move follows the order of Additional Director of Panchayat Joao Fernandes, who dismissed the appeal filed by property owner Surinder Kumar Khosla, a UK national, challenging the panchayat’s April 20, 2024 demolition notice.
In his order, Fernandes upheld the panchayat’s demolition directive and vacated the earlier status quo granted during the appeal proceedings. He directed the panchayat to take steps in accordance with law to demolish the structures.
Legal experts indicated that while the owner may seek further legal remedies, there is no bar on the panchayat proceeding with demolition unless a fresh stay is obtained from a competent authority.
The Additional Director of Panchayats has maintained that the structures were unauthorised and constructed without requisite permissions under the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994. It submitted that despite being given opportunities, the owner failed to produce sanctioned building plans, occupancy certificates, or necessary approvals to establish legality.
In his order, Fernandes observed that there was no evidence that the structures were originally constructed after obtaining mandatory permissions under Section 66 of the Act.
He further noted that repair permissions cannot validate structures that were illegal to begin with.
The DoP also cited public safety concerns, observing that the December 6 fire highlighted serious health and safety risks, including lack of fire clearances, sewage compliance, and other statutory approvals.
With the stay vacated and administrative steps underway, authorities appear poised to raze the structure in the interest of public safety.
It may be recalled that the panchayat had issued the demolition order following a complaint filed by Pradeep Amonkar and Sunil Divkar, who alleged that the nightclub and other adjoining structures were illegally constructed on a salt pan in Survey Nos. 158/0 and 159/0 of Arpora village.
